Tara Lee Ann Johnson

Tara Lee Ann Johnson of Blanchard, Oklahoma, passed away from this life on December 27, 2023, at the age of 59. She was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on November 29, 1964, the daughter of Vivian Lee Ann (Plumlee) Shatswell and Johnnie Leroy Shatswell. Tara was a faithful member of Life Church in Moore. She attended high school at Christian Heritage Academy, graduating with the Class of 1983. Tara spent the majority of her working years as a Homemaker, and for a time, worked as the Administrator of Christian Crusaders Academy in Purcell, Oklahoma. She later worked as a Pharmacy Technician at Sooner Pharmacy in Norman and Fountain Park Pharmacy in Oklahoma City.
Tara enjoyed shopping, especially at Dillard's, and loved attending the Affair of the Heart in Oklahoma City and Tulsa every year. She was a great cook whose specialties were her chicken fried steak, homemade mashed potatoes and gravy, and her amazing desserts, like her famous banana nut and strawberry coconut cakes as well as her peach cobbler. Tara also enjoyed watching OU women's basketball as a big fan of Hall of Fame Coach Sherri Coale.
She was spirited, strong-willed, and determined. For 16 years of her life, Tara battled cancer, but she never let this hold her back, fighting bravely and fiercely until the very end. Her faith in God and her beloved family gave her the strength she needed to never give up. Kevin said Tara was an "anchored Christian" with a loving, giving heart, especially for anyone in need. She would help anyone who needed it, regardless of the circumstances, acting as a true instrument of God in her interactions with others. Tara was a teacher and coordinator for many Vacation Bible Schools, and she taught Sunday School at Wilmont Place Baptist Church (where she also served as church Secretary), First Baptist Church of both Lexington and Purcell, and Emmaus Baptist Church in South Oklahoma City. She and Kevin led a Life Group at Life Church in Moore, Oklahoma. Tara was a natural leader in all of her endeavors, never hesitating to take on extra responsibilities.
More than anything, Tara treasured quality time spent with the people she loved. Family was very important to her, and she was a deeply loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. Her first love was her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Tara was married to the love of her life, Kevin, for 40 years, She dearly loved her children, and grandchildren. Tara's genuine love for other people, her determination, and her faith in God positively impacted the lives of so many. Her beautiful soul and caring, giving heart will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Kevin Johnson; two children, Matthew Johnson and wife Jennifer, and Amber Neighbors and husband D.J., all of Blanchard, Oklahoma; her sister, Julie Gathright and husband Mark of Oklahoma City; six grandchildren, Megan Johnson, Caleb Johnson, Abigail Johnson, Charlotte Johnson, Caroline Neighbors, and Paxton Neighbors; along with her parents, Johnnie and Vivian Shatswell, multiple nieces and nephews, as well as many more loving family members and friends.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Tara Lee Ann Johnson, please visit our floral store.